OLAVER is an architecture and design practice established in 2015, based in Melbourne. The practice works at a range of scales, across high-end residential, multi-residential, workplace, hospitality, retail and public architecture.

OLAVER’s work is grounded in the interplay of flow, light and texture. This conceptual framework is layered over careful consideration of context, sustainability and pragmatism. The studio’s architecture balances austerity with playfulness, the imperfect and refined, rough and smooth, historical and contemporary.

OLAVER works closely with homeowners, developers, builders and collaborators to deliver architecture that contributes positively to the social and built fabric of Australia’s east coast and beyond.

Office
85 Little Oxford St

Collingwood VIC 3066
Phone
03 9417 5882
People

Emlyn Olaver

Director

eo@olaver.com.au


0422 627 071

Emlyn established Olaver Architecture in 2015. His experience spans a diverse range of projects, from highly considered homes to adaptive reuse projects, and some of Melbourne’s top hospitality and retail institutions. Alongside practice, Emlyn has contributed to architectural education at the University of Melbourne, where he worked with students to develop their design thinking and understanding of the practice of architecture.

Emlyn enjoys the collaborative aspects of architectural practice, particularly getting to know his clients and problem-solving with builders. Equally relished is the more monastic practice of reworking plans and sections until they are just right and developing details to ensure the design intent is upheld. 

Associate

th@olaver.com.au

Tom began his career working in retail, bar and restaurant design which gave an appreciation for the rational and functional imbued with a sense of character. He has kept these lessons close within his residential work, locally, interstate and overseas. His love for architectural representation is backed by an empathetic approach to design, being able to understand other needs, whether client, consultant, or colleague.

Associate

bs@olaver.com.au

Brydie graduated with a Master of Architecture from the University of Melbourne in 2020, receiving Dean’s Honours. She has experience in educational and residential projects, and continues to investigate all types of architecture through photography. Brydie is interested in architecture which cultivates a sense of community and encourages a connection to landscape, with a particular curiosity for the experiential qualities of architecture.

 

Graduate of Architecture

mh@olaver.com.au

 

Architect

jm@olaver.com.au

Jack has experience across a wide range of sectors, notably he’s had the chance to deliver significant cultural and commercial projects around the world during his time working in London. He studied at the Manchester school of Architecture and University of Westminster where he qualified as an architect in 2021. Jack enjoys balancing form, function and folly to achieve an outcome that feels personal to every project. 

Graduate of Architecture

ga@olaver.com.au

George has a background in design, fine art and fabrication, with experience across architecture, interiors and construction. He is particularly interested in architecture as a means for public good, and in design approaches that are attentive to context, use and the everyday.

 

Graduate of Architecture

sw@olaver.com.au

Steph holds a Bachelor of Design in Architecture and Landscape Architecture and recently completed her Master of Architecture with First Class Honours at the University of Melbourne. She has worked across residential, education, hospitality and masterplanning projects at architecture practices in Australia and Japan. Steph is particularly interested in the intersection of architecture and the natural sciences, exploring how design can contribute to ecological repair and regeneration.

Graduate of Architecture

er@olaver.com.au

Evan has a background in visual arts and interior design, and has experience in public, residential and retail projects as well as fabrication and furniture design. He has an honours degree in Interior Design from RMIT with high distinction and has completed his Master of Architecture at the University of Melbourne. Evan is passionate about architecture which is designed and built to help curate more sustainable ways of living and dwelling, fostering strong connections between people and their environment. Evan is our resident Graduate of Architecture in Europe.

Practice Manager

ag@olaver.com.au

Amy manages the practice operations, with a focus on project coordination, marketing and communications, and recruitment.  Prior to joining Olaver Architecture, Amy held a senior leadership role with New York high jewellery house TAFFIN, and brings to the studio an understanding of the care, discretion and attention to detail that define a design-led business.

Recognition

Awards

Houses Awards 2026, Gore St House, Winner, House Alteration and Addition Under 200 square meters
Think Brick Awards 2026, Hanslope House, Winner, Robin Dods Roof Tiles Award
AIA Awards 2026, Gore St House, Commendation, Residential Architecture- Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Sustainable Building Awards 2025, Crop Fitzroy, Highly Commended, Commercial Architecture
Australian Interior Design Awards 2024, Kloke, Shortlisted, Retail Design
AIA Awards 2024,  Dennis House, Shortlisted, Residential Architecture – Houses (New), Sustainable Architecture, EmAGN Project Award
AIA Awards 2022, Preston House II, Shortlisted, Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Eat Drink Design Awards 2020, Lagoon Dining, Commendation, Best Restaurant Design
Architeam Awards 2019, Future Future, Winner, Commercial
The Design Files Awards 2019, North Fitzroy House, Finalist, Residential Architecture
Australian Interior Design Awards 2019, Future Future, Shortlisted, Hospitality Design
Eat Drink Design Awards 2019, Future Future, Commendation, Best Restaurant Design

Articles

Green Magazine Issue 56, Thornbury House
ArchDaily, Thornbury House
Dwell, Thornbury House
The Local Project, Thornbury House
The Design Files, North Fitzroy House
The Local Project, North Fitzroy House
Green Magazine Issue 69, Kingsville House
The Design Files, Kingsville House
The Design Files, Richmond House II
The Local Project, Wattletree House
The Local Project, Brunswick House
The Design Files, Brunswick House
Architecture Au, Brunswick House
The Local Project, Silver House
The Local Project, Armadale House
The Design Files, Future Future
Artichoke Issue 71, Lagoon Dining
Houses August 2024, Dennis House
The Design Files, Preston House
The Local Project, Preston House II
Houses August 2022, Preston House II

Interviews

Office Talk May 2024, Olaver Architecture
Architect Victoria, Olaver Architecture
Green Magazine, Olaver Architecture
Houses February 2020, Olaver Architecture
InDesign Issue 74, Olaver Architecture